RECENTLY, on a July day with a cloudless sky and forecast temperature of 19 degrees, 10 walkers from the Ben Cruachan Walking Club met for what promised to be another great day in the Mitchell River National Park.

Starting at the top of Czydel’s Road, just off the Angusvale Road, there were views of the Mitchell River valley shrouded in low cloud. Following the old farm access road downhill, at the foot of the hill, the group took a left turn along another old farm road, arriving for morning tea at an area known as “Two Trees”. Here, two large old eucalypts have surrounded themselves with a circle of healthy offspring.

After refreshments, the group followed the Mitchell River downstream along a footpath – one undoubtedly kept relatively clear by feral deer and wayward cattle that have crossed the river for the greener grass. The river was looking particularly good, with morning sunlight glistening as it flowed through rapids and seemed to pause at wide bends before hurtling through the next lot of rapids.

In due course, the walkers arrived at a collection of farm buildings known as Scott’s Farm. Featuring a very rustic farmhouse building, possibly from the late 1800s, with a grand stone chimney and an eclectic mix of extensions and modifications. This was the lunch spot, with views of the old farm orchard in the foreground and the Tabberabbera Ridgeline high above in the distance. It was a day for wildlife, with sightings including soaring wedge-tail eagles and several wombats, one of which posed for photographs.

After lunch, the group picked their way along the riverbank to the downstream location of Bull Point, where the Wentworth River enters the Mitchell River. There they rested, skipped stones, took numerous photographs and recharged energy reserves before undertaking the tough uphill slog on Czydel’s Road back to their cars.

This was a most enjoyable day in the newest and northernmost area of Mitchell River National Park, with the opportunity to ponder on European settlement history, the apparently healthy wildlife (especially the wombat population) and the fantastic views of the Mitchell River. For many, it’s one of their favourite walks.

The Ben Cruachan Walking Club meet regularly for hikes across Gippsland, and guests are always welcome.

For more information, visit their brand new website at bcwc.au/